FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
An aircraft manufacturer advertises a new design with a maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh) of 135 knots calibrated airspeed. Based on this specification alone, can this aircraft be flown by a sport pilot as a light-sport aircraft?
- ANo, because a sport pilot may never exceed 87 knots CAS in any aircraft
- BYes, because speed is not a factor in the light-sport aircraft definition
- CYes, as long as the empty weight is under 1,320 pounds
- DNo, because the maximum speed for a light-sport aircraft may not exceed 120 knots CAS
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No, because the maximum speed for a light-sport aircraft may not exceed 120 knots CAS
14 CFR 1.1 defines a light-sport aircraft as having a maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh) of not more than 120 knots CAS. An aircraft with a Vh of 135 knots exceeds this limit and does not meet the LSA definition, regardless of weight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 87 knots CAS is the maximum stall speed reference for some LSA gliders/other criteria, not a blanket speed limit for sport pilots.
- B. Speed is explicitly part of the LSA definition and cannot be ignored.
- C. Weight alone cannot compensate for exceeding the speed limit.
LSA Maximum Speed (Vh)
A light-sport aircraft's maximum level-flight speed with maximum continuous power (Vh) may not exceed 120 knots CAS.
- Defined in 14 CFR 1.1
- Exceeding 120 knots disqualifies aircraft as LSA
- Separate from stall speed (Vs1) limit of 45 knots CAS
Memory trick: '120 is the top' - Vh can't top 120 knots for LSA.